MUMBAI: Noted ghazal singer Jagjit Singh is critical and in the intensive care unit of Lilavati Hospital, Bandra. Informed sources told TOI on Friday evening that Singh, who is on a ventilator, underwent an emergency surgery after he developed a hemorrhage or clot in the brain.

Singh, who is one of India's most popular ghazal singers and a music composer, was scheduled to perform along with Pakistani ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali at Shanmukhananda Hall, Matunga, on Friday evening, but the concert had to be cancelled . The 70-year-old singer has been suffering from high blood pressure for some time now. Brain hemorrhage is a known complication of uncontrolled hypertension or high blood pressure.

Singh's family and friends refused to divulge details, but cardiologist Ajit Menon, under whose care Singh was admitted to hospital, told TOI that the singer had undergone surgery late on Friday evening. "All I can say is that his condition is still critical and he is under observation," added Dr Menon.

Singh and his singer wife Chitra shot to fame in the 1970s with their soulful ghazals. He sang several songs for Hindi films as well and was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2003.